WOMEN in West Yorkshire are more likely to get effective help with breastfeeding in hospital than mothers in any other neighbouring area.

WOMEN in West Yorkshire are more likely to get effective help with breastfeeding in hospital than mothers in any other neighbouring area.

Figures from the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) UK list West Yorkshire as fourth highest ranking Strategic Health Authority in all of England in terms of support for nursing mothers.

Almost a third of births, 29%, take place in maternity units which have achieved the coveted Baby Friendly accreditation.

The Baby Friendly Initiative is a worldwide programme run by Unicef and the World Health Organisation to promote breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding for three months alone leads to fewer stomach infections in babies and gives them a 38% lower risk of death in the first year of life.

Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and Airedale General Hospital near Keighley have received a Unicef Certificate of Commitment and Bradford Royal Infirmary and Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax have received the full Baby Friendly accreditation.

Accreditation is the highest award, but a Certificate of Commitment shows that the unit has an action plan to achieve full Baby Friendly accreditation.

A spokesman for the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust, which runs the Infirmary, said: "Huddersfield Royal Infirmary is well on its way to achieving the full Baby Friendly award and has already received a Certificate of Commitment from Unicef."